DEBUT OF THE DECAPITATION

HERRMANN, Alexander (1844 – 96)...

DEBUT OF THE DECAPITATION

HERRMANN, Alexander (1844 – 96). Prof. Herrmann Monarch of Magicians! [Boston]: Boston Job Print, 1875. Letterpress broadside advertising the famed Mephistophelean magician at the Tremont Temple, together with Professor Tobin, “The Great Illusionist, late of the Coliseum, New York.” The program includes sixteen parts, among them Tobin’s “Frankenstein Mystery.” 25 x 8 ¾”. Restoration to upper text (replacing two letters).

This bill advertises the debut of an illusion later known as Palingesia. In full view of the audience, a man’s head, arm, and leg were visibly severed from his body. Dr. Lynn, and later Houdini, would feature the grisly effect in their shows. Tobin is today best remembered as the inventor of the incredible illusionary stage effect known as Pepper’s Ghost.